He faced round at a loud, fluttering sound, and guns were raised, but the great bird which had taken flight was far out of shot, and winging its way higher and higher, so as to fly over the tops of the trees and away into the forest.
“Fine great turkey that, sir,” said Shaddy.
“Yes: can we follow it?”
Shaddy shook his head.
“Far more sensible for us to walk straight away, sir, through the open where that turkey got up: we might start another or two.”
“But the going is so laborious,” pleaded Brazier; “some of us would be having sunstroke. No, let’s keep on, we may put up something yet.”
“And try for the turkeys toward sundown, sir?”
“Yes. Come on,” said Brazier; “we had better get slowly back now to the boat. It is too hot.”
He stood wiping the perspiration from his forehead as he spoke, and then, with Shaddy by his side carrying a spare gun, went on along by the edge of the forest, Rob and Joe following some distance behind.
“I might as well have shot some of those beautiful toucans,” said Rob; “I could have skinned them, and they would be delightful to bring out at home and show people, and remind one of this place in years to come.”